
1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401-1887, USA


Colorado School of Mines was established in 1874 with the primary goal of advancing the mining industry through education and innovation. Its founding focused on providing specialized training in mining and metallurgy to support the development of the rich mineral resources in the region. Over time, the institution expanded its academic offerings, evolving into a prominent public research university known for engineering and applied science disciplines.
The school has continually adapted to the changing demands of industry and technology, broadening its curriculum to include energy, geology, and environmental science fields. This evolution reflects its ongoing commitment to addressing critical challenges related to natural resources and sustainable development. Its history is marked by a dedication to hands-on learning and research, fostering strong ties with industry partners to provide students with practical experience and career opportunities.
Today, Colorado School of Mines maintains a reputation for rigorous academics and a collaborative culture that values innovation and real-world problem-solving, rooted in its foundation as a specialized mining school. Prospective students seeking specialized expertise in science and engineering fields with historical foundations in mining and resources would find its legacy relevant to their educational goals.
Colorado School of Mines offers a diverse array of faculties and departments designed to serve students interested in science, engineering, and applied technology fields. The institution is organized into several academic divisions emphasizing areas such as engineering disciplines, Earth sciences, and interdisciplinary programs.
The key faculties include the College of Engineering and Computational Sciences, which encompasses departments focused on electrical, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering, alongside computer science. These areas provide students with a strong technical foundation and practical experience aligned with industry demands.
Another significant academic division is the Division of Economic Geology and Geophysics, part of the broader Earth and Atmospheric Sciences faculty. This division offers specialized programs in geology, geophysics, and related Earth science fields, preparing students for careers in resource exploration and environmental analysis.
Additionally, the Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies contributes to a well-rounded education by offering courses in humanities, social sciences, and global studies. This supports the technical programs by providing critical communication, leadership, and policy perspectives.
Students may also explore programs in the Materials Science and Engineering department, focusing on the development and application of advanced materials relevant to energy, manufacturing, and sustainability sectors.
For prospective students prioritizing entrepreneurship and innovation, the university integrates technology management and business strategy elements within its engineering curricula, facilitating interdisciplinary learning.
The Colorado School of Mines is situated in Golden, Colorado, a city known for its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and outdoor recreational opportunities. The school's campus is located at 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401-1887. This location places students within reach of both urban amenities and natural landscapes, offering a distinctive blend of academic and lifestyle benefits.
The school's position in Golden allows students access to the Denver International Airport for convenient travel options. While Golden itself is a smaller city, its location west of Denver provides a quieter environment that remains connected to the larger metropolitan area. This mix supports a balance suitable for focused study and exploration outside the classroom.
Colorado School of Mines is dedicated to advancing education in engineering and applied sciences with an emphasis on solving practical problems related to natural resources and the environment. Its mission centers on preparing students to become leaders in technology and innovation by providing a rigorous, interdisciplinary education that combines technical expertise with an understanding of societal impacts.
The institution envisions itself as a globally recognized leader fostering transformative research and cultivating professionals equipped to tackle pressing challenges in energy, materials, and earth sciences. It emphasizes a learning environment that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility among its students.
Prospective students can expect a commitment to hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, aligning academic training with real-world applications. This focus aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled engineers and scientists but also capable problem-solvers ready to contribute meaningfully to industry and society.
Name of the institution
Colorado School of MinesLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1874
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Applied Mathematics
$67,521Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Data not availableBiological/Biosystems Engineering
Data not availableBiomedical/Medical Engineering
$59,753Chemical Engineering
$70,029Chemistry
Data not availableCivil Engineering
$65,074Computer Science
$72,458Economics
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$72,556Engineering Physics
$43,721Engineering, General
Data not availableEngineering, Other
Data not availableEnvironmental/Environmental Health Engineering
$55,990Geological/Geophysical Engineering
$60,937Mathematics
Data not availableMechanical Engineering
$67,670Metallurgical Engineering
$68,679Mining and Mineral Engineering
$71,308Petroleum Engineering
$94,022